The Railway Magazine - November 2018 - Preview

FREE RAILWAY TIMES

A LOOK INTO RM’S DIGITAL ARCHIVES

13 2 PAGES

BRITAIN’S BEST-SELLING RAIL TITLE November 2018 • £4.40

Pioneer NER Autocar revived

Stunning comeback for unique 1903 survivor

‘Scotsman’ delivers Pegler’s final wish

Launch day crash for Sheffield’s tram-train

BARROW HILL NIGHT SHIFT

VINTAGE TRAINS STEAM AGAIN

1968: BR’S GREAT DIESEL CULL

◆ LNER ‘AZUMAS’ ON HOLD ◆ SCOTRAIL HSTS BEGIN OPERATION

The

EDITORIAL

Editor: Chris Milner Deputy editor: Gary Boyd-Hope Consultant editor: Nick Pigott Senior correspondent: Ben Jones Designer: Tim Pipes Picture desk: Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Publisher: Tim Hartley Production editor: Sarah Wilkinson Sub-editor: Nigel Devereux Editorial assistant: Jane Skayman Classic Traction News: Peter Nicholson Operations News: Ashley Butlin Narrow Gauge News: Cliff Thomas Metro News: Paul Bickerdyke World News: Keith Fender By post: The Railway Magazine, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529589 Fax: 01507 371066 Email: railway@mortons.co.uk © 2018 Mortons Media ISSN 0033-8923

CUSTOMER SERVICES

General Queries & Back Issues 01507 529529 Monday-Friday: 8.30am-6pm Saturday: 8.30am-12.30pm Answerphone 24hr help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk Archive enquiries: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Divisional advertising manager: Sue Keily Advertising: Craig Amess camess@mortons.co.uk Tel: 01507 529537 By post: The Railway Magazine advertising, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

PUBLISHING

Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Publishing director: Dan Savage Commercial director: Nigel Hole Published by: Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

SUBSCRIPTION

Full subscription rates (but see page 62 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) - UK £52.80. Export rates are also available - see page 129 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Enquiries: subscriptions@mortons.co.uk

PRINT AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Printed by: William Gibbons & Son, Wolverhampton Distribution by: Marketforce UK Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU 0203 787 9001

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION

Accepted photographs and articles will be paid for upon publication. Items we cannot use will be returned if accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope, and recorded delivery must clearly state so and enclose sufficient postage. In common with practice on other rail periodicals, all material is sent or returned at the contributor’s own risk and neither The Railway Magazine, the editor, the staff nor Mortons Media Ltd can be held responsible for loss or damage, howsoever caused. The opinions expressed in The RM are not necessarily those of the editor or staff. This periodical must not, without the written consent of the publishers first being given, be lent, sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or, in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

This issue was published on November 7, 2018.

The next will be on sale on December 5, 2018.

Beautiful autumn light at Ais Gill greets Northern Class 158 No. 158790 as it runs with a classmate on the 14.04 Carlisle-Leeds train on October 27. ROBERT FALCONER

Heaping more misery on fed-up passengers…

H

AVING prompted readers to make comments, and just three weeks after the public consultation period ended, the Department for Transport has pulled the plug on one of the most crucial franchise renewals – CrossCountry.

But what happens to those consultation comments? Will they be seen by future prospective franchisees or quietly lost?

By claiming the forthcoming Rail Review was behind the decision, I find it hard to believe cancelling the franchise competition had not been on the DfT’s radar at a far earlier juncture.

At the time the prospectus for CrossCountry was published in July, franchising was already in meltdown, with two franchises in timetable chaos, two others facing financial shortfall, one back in Government control, and industrial disputes wrecking the travel plans of millions. It is questionable why the DfT proceeded.

In 2016, when a three-year direct award was made, there was absolutely nothing of substance for passengers to look forward to – no longer trains, just a measly 150 extra seats per day between Edinburgh and Plymouth.

The failure back then to do something

TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Editor’s Comment

tangible was viewed as a lost opportunity, now by abandoning the process, the DfT has clearly bottled it.

With trains at peak times already full and standing – passengers on some trains have stood from Oxford to Manchester – the delay in re-tendering the franchise means there is no short-term incentive for any extra investment, particularly to alleviate the biggest complaint the franchise faces – overcrowding.

Yet there is rolling stock coming off lease that could, in theory, be utilised. Just a few HSTs would, for example, supplement busy services on the main arteries via Birmingham New Street to good advantage, rather than the trains being placed in store and rotting away.

More than 20 Class 185s will become surplus next year, which could replace the two-car 170s with a one-third increase in seating.

Because no one knows when the CrossCountry franchise will be re-let – it could be anywhere between two and four years from now – passengers are going to have to endure more pain and misery on tired, out-dated, packed and inadequate trains.

They deserve every sympathy.

…as the wait for new trains goes on and on ONE of the dominant industry news stories of recent years has been the massive orders for new rolling stock. The emerging, but predictable, downside is the problem of getting the new trains in to traffic.

Passengers have been promised jam tomorrow, but of thousands of new vehicles ordered, only the Class 700 and 707 fleets are fully in traffic – and that didn't happen without problems.

Currently, ScotRail is anxious to get its re-worked HSTs running, ditto the Class 385s.

There are delays to the programme to introduce ‘Flex' Class 769s, authorisation to begin using Hitachi IETs for GWR and LNER is on hold, new Caledonian Sleeper carriages have been delayed by six months, commuters in North London desperately need the Class 710s, and many more new trains are running late.

Yet from January, passengers will pay increased fares and still won't have the new trains they've been promised.

The reasons are widespread and range from manufacturer and supplier delays and unsuitable components, through to major software problems requiring major rewrites of coding, signal interference issues and, in the case of the HSTs, corrosion repairs

that were far more extensive than expected.

Sure, some of the refurbishment is using cutting-edge technology, but throw in the thirst for power that new trains demand from the 25kV overheads north of York, which can’t be fully met, and you begin to get the picture.

With so many fleets of new trains running late, I can't help wondering whether anyone at all within either Network Rail or the DfT has been managing the overall picture? Or are all of these new fleets being managed in isolation?

To have one fleet late may be regarded as a misfortune, but for multiple fleets to be delayed looks like carelessness, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde.

It also begs the question whether the UK should have built a proper test track several years ago, once orders began ramping up, rather than shuttling up and down a 10-mile track through the rolling Leicestershire countryside. Trying to find 100mph test paths on busy railways is getting more difficult, never mind the cost of testing in eastern Europe.

Through what appears to be inadequate planning and a lack of appreciation of wider industry problems, passengers could be waiting for their much-hyped new trains for some months yet.

CHRIS MILNER, Editor

November 2018 • The Railway Magazine • 3

4 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

Contents

November 2018. No. 1,412. Vol 164. A journal of record since 1897.

Headline News

South Yorkshire Tram-Train launch marred by collision, Network Rail outlines £200m Werrington Junction plan, German high-speed train gutted by fire, ScotRail InterCity 125 passenger debut, tributes flood in for RTC founder Nigel Dobbing and ace photographers Malcolm Ranieri and Colin Garratt.

Wearing the stylish new ScotRail InterCity livery, power car No. 43183 brings up the rear of a refurbished 2+4 HST set at Aberdeen on October 10. TONY MILES

On the cover COVER: Restored North Eastern Railway PetrolElectric Autocar No. 3170 hauls an NER autocar trailer at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway on October 19. CHRIS MILNER INSET: An EMT ‘222’ visits Barrow Hill for overnight servicing. BEN JONES INSET: Vintage Trains’ first steam run. VINTAGE TRAINS INSET: BR’s cull of non-standard diesel types in 1968.

Track Record The Railway Magazine’s monthly news digest 70 Steam & Heritage

Meiningen wins 'P2' boiler design contract, BR black 'Saint' for Didcot event, short-notice WSR visit for Llangollen 'Standard 4' tank, Bahamas stars at Tyseley 50th anniversary event, 'Pannier Party' for South Devon 50th gala.

Keith Farr starts a two-part study of train performance on the Great Western Main Line from Paddington, which has seen an evolution from steam to diesel and now electric and bi-mode trains over the last 60 years.

22 Nodding Along: The 'Pacer' Story

In the second part of his detailed look at the development and career of the 'Pacer' family, Gary Boyd-Hope considers the first production designs – Class 141 and 142 – and the experimental railbuses inspired by them.

32 Night Shift

For 79 days between July and October, East Midlands Trains used Barrow Hill as a temporary depot for servicing HSTs and 'Meridians'. Ben Jones spent a night with the team.

34 The day after steam ended

Newly overhauled ‘Jubilee' 4-6-0 No.45596 Bahamas passes classmate No. 5593 Kolhapur at Tyseley Locomotive Works on September 28. IAN DIXON

Derby remodelling completed on time, station improvements for Aberdeen and Bristol, ScotRail reveals major timetable upgrade for December, new smartphone app to assist disabled passengers.

92 Railtours 97 Classic Traction 100 World

104 Metro 107 Traction & Stock

Siemens Class 717s start work on Moorgate route, new livery for Virgin Class 221, first Class 315 EMU sold for scrap, approval for Overground Class 710s, braking issue grounds Class 385s.

111 Traction Portfolio 112 Stock Update 113 Operations

Regulars 12 Railways in Parliament

59 Retaining Heritage Skills for the Future 60 Meetings 62 Subscription Offer

Subscribe today to receive your monthly copies of The Railway Magazine from only £20.

64 Panorama

Our monthly gallery of the best railway photography.

68 From The RM Archives Find out what The RM was reporting 20, 50 and 100 years ago.

120 Heritage Diary LMS ‘7P' No. 46100 Royal Scot prepares to depart from Bewdley with a train for Bridgnorth during all-night running at the Severn Valley Railway's autumn gala on September 21.

DAVE BOWLES

14 Thames Valley Transformation

David Percival provides a personal account of what railway enthusiasts did immediately after BR standard gauge steam ended on August 11, 1968.

76 Industrial Steam 78 Steam Portfolio 80 Narrow Gauge 82 Irish News 84 Freight 86 Miniature 88 Network

Features

Details of when Britain’s unique collection of heritage railways and railway museums are open.

130 Prize Crossword and Where Is It?

39 Christmas Gift Guide

The RM's annual digest of gifts for the railway enthusiast and historian – everything from books to DVDs and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

48 1968: The Year of the Long Knives Although famous as the year BR dispensed with steam traction, 1968 actually saw BR withdraw more diesel locos than steam. John Crosse tells a sorry tale of failed designs and wasted investment.

55 Fabulous at 50

No fewer than 11 Class 50s were present at the Severn Valley Railway in October to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of this cult diesel class.

The Railway Magazine’s audited circulation of 36,072 copies per month makes it by far the UK’s TOP-SELLING rail title!

Subscribe today and save money on every issue.

Call 01507 529529 or see page 62 for our latest offers

HeadlineNews

Network Rail prepares for £200m Werrington upgrade on ECML

PREPARATORY work next to the East Coast Main Line for a £200million project to create a dive-under will become more noticeable over the next few months in the vicinity of Werrington Junction, three miles north of Peterborough.

The project has been five years in the planning.

A new grade-separated junction with three kilometres of new track will allow passenger services on the ECML to continue uninterrupted, while freight and local passengers destined to and from the GN/GE Joint Line will use the new dive-under, an option determined as best value for money, and which found greater favour locally rather than a flyover.

Currently, ECML passenger services face the possibility of being slowed or even stopped for trains to access or leave the joint line. This piece of major engineering work, to eliminate a bottleneck, will allow an extra two passenger train paths per hour to be available for ECML services from 2021.

Morgan Sindall is the lead contractor and a new works compound is planned near Cock Lane footbridge, with a second smaller one close to the joint line and Lincoln Road.

Work on the scheme is due begin in earnest in the new year, and initially involves the diversion of Brook drain, which parallels the ECML. This will allow the Down Stamford line (and temporarily, the Up Stamford) to be slewed by a distance of 25-30 metres to the west. The OLE that spans the Down Stamford to Marholm will also be moved.

New footbridge

The work will also provide some flood relief. A new footbridge will be built north of Cock Lane, but linked to the four access points, and until the new bridge is in place, the current footbridge will be extended to span the Down Stamford line.

In turn, this will allow space between the ECML and Stamford lines to begin creating the new line to the dive-under, with a similar project working at the north of the site.

Precast concrete sections will be formed on site and jacked into place once a slide path has been created.

On the GN/GE, where the A15 road crosses, part of a local road at track level (Hurn Road) will give way to the new track alignment, so some local road changes will be necessary.

The crossovers to the Joint Line from Down fast and to the Up slow lines will be retained to provide a flexible layout.

The project will take around three years to complete, and at a point still to be agreed with train operators, there will be a nine-day blockade of the ECML to allow the dive-under box sections to be hydraulically slid into position.

Some limited train movements may be possible during the blockade as the Stamford lines will remain open, with final details to be agreed. Within the new concrete box section will be water collection chambers along with pumps to disperse the surplus water.

On conclusion of the project, the Up

Stamford line will be realigned to the east side of the dive-under and approach from the ECML, which means container and other traffic using the March and Joint lines can be kept on the west side of the ECML.

Vivarail tests battery train at Bo’ness

By Ashley Butlin

THINK of train builders associated with Britain’s railways and the names of Bombardier, Hitachi and CAF spring to mind.

Not so obvious is the name of Vivarail, a British firm founded in 2015, which has come a long way in the past few years under the leadership of CEO Adrian Shooter.

It was his vision to buy 156 driving motors and 70 trailer cars of redundant D78 stock from London Underground with a view to producing a series of eco-friendly multiple units.

Battery powered demonstrator No. 230002 was recently trialled at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway for potential customers.

First impressions of the conversion were positive. The sight of a London Tube train in Scotland was somewhat disquieting, but as it ran into the station it was immediately clear it was very different to that which once ran in the capital.

Almost silent when running, the only noise was the wheels on the

rails. It is equipped with passenger door opening buttons, and while it certainly feels like boarding a ‘D Stock’ train, stepping inside, the interior reflects the needs of today’s passengers with internal modifications, including USB points throughout the train.

In this example the carriage was equipped with a combination of both conventional 2+2 seating and longitudinal inward-facing seats commonly found on new suburban stock. The actual configuration can be varied to meet customer requirements and also include the provision of fully accessible toilets and a buffet area.

As the train pulled out of the station, again the quietness was particularly noticeable. Equally impressive was the acceleration, giving the train an advantage over current stock and compensating for its top speed of 60mph.

The unit has a total of four battery rafts, each with a capacity of 106kWh, and requires just an eight-minute charge at each end of the journey.

Extending the charge to 10

minutes gives a 50-mile range. As battery technology develops so will the range of the units.

Charging of the unit at Bo’ness was undertaken using a mobile generator, but in traffic units would be charged through current infrastructure, be it OHL or third rail.

For non-electrified lines Vivarail has developed a static battery bank.

Charging points

Trains will be able to be charged using automatic charging points that will allow the unit to connect to the power source without the need of human intervention.

No. 230002 is setting a new standard for clean, green travel and clearly demonstrates how Transport Scotland and ScotRail are determined to eliminate diesel trains from Glasgow and beyond in the near future.

Bill Reeve, Transport Scotland’s director of rail, said: “The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2017/18 included a commitment to trial hybrid selfpowered trains.

“We have been monitoring

Battery-powered unit No. 230002 at Bo’ness station during its demonstration runs. IONA BUTLIN

technological developments in this field, liaising with Abellio ScotRail, rail vehicle owners and manufacturers.

“We welcome this opportunity to support Vivarail in demonstrating this particular use of zero-emission technology on heavy rail.”

In late October, it was announced the introduction of three two-car Class 230 diesel sets on the Bedford to Bletchley

‘Marston Vale’ route will be delayed until the New Year.

Work to modify the control systems of No. 230003 following issues encountered during testing have pushed back the completion of the remaining trains, forcing Vivarail to delay their delivery.

Vivarail has also won a contract to supply ‘230s’ for new Transport for Wales services on the Wrexham to Bidston line from summer 2019.

Passengers evacuated after German ICE carriage fire

By Keith Fender

A FIRE aboard a Deutsche Bahn ICE train carrying 510 passengers plus train crew resulted in a safe evacuation after the 16-coach set was brought to a halt on the 300kph high-speed line between Cologne and Frankfurt early on October 12.

Three passengers were reported to have suffered minor injuries.

The train (ICE511, 05.55 Cologne to Munich) was mid-way between Cologne and Frankfurt am Main when the fire started.

The fire was in the penultimate vehicle of the train formed of two Class 403 eight-car EMUs working in multiple. It was detected by a passenger, who used the emergency stop system to alert the driver.

The train stopped in open countryside on one of the few long open tunnel-free stretches of the line, which opened in 2002.

It was next to the parallel A3 Autobahn near the village of Dierdorf, north of Montabaur.

Retractable steps

The train was equipped with retractable steps, as are all ICE3 trains using the Rhein-Main high-speed line, to enable easy evacuation.

The evacuated passengers were taken by bus to Montabaur, where a replacement train was provided.

DB later offered full refunds plus compensation for damaged personal items lost in the fire.

DB quickly announced the preliminary

6 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

findings from the accident investigation pointed to ‘equipment failure’ in the vehicle where the fire started, which was almost completely destroyed, with the aluminium body shell melting in the intense heat.

The affected carriage, part of set No. 403 026, carried the transformers mounted under the floor, although exactly which components failed will be subject to forensic examination following the recovery of the remains of the coach.

DB diverted all trains away from the high-speed route via the classic Rhine Valley route for the following week, adding at least 90 minutes to most journeys, while the accident site was cleared and infrastructure repaired.

The gutted remains of the ICE vehicle being damped down by the fire service.

PICTURE: BUNDESPOLIZEI KOBLENZ/TWITTER

The severe damage to infrastructure and on-going repairs meant DB instigated single-line working around the affected area from October 20, and planned to reopen the line fully from November 18.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk

ScotRail’s first upgraded ‘Inter7City’ high-speed train enters service

By Tony Miles

SCOTRAIL operated its first refurbished HST set in passenger service on October 15 as the 2+4 formation worked the 09.07 Aberdeen-Edinburgh.

The provisional first diagram is 09.07 Aberdeen-Edinburgh, 13.30 Edinburgh-Aberdeen,16.39 DyceEdinburgh and 21.43 EdinburghAberdeen.

Ahead of the service debut ScotRail presented the refurbished HST to the press on October 10 with a special run between Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Local media and stakeholders were extremely impressed with the quality of the refurbishment work, but the run was marred by technical problems with the leading power car – 43183 – which saw the train halted for more than 40 minutes south of Leuchars while the faults were rectified after a horn valve stuck open.

The refurbished trains will carry the ‘Inter7City’ branding as the sets will be used on services connecting Scotland’s seven cities: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling.

In addition to freeing up DMUs for use elsewhere, the HST sets will offer increased seating and luggage space on these flagship services, together with better on-board hospitality, ‘providing a boost for commuters, tourists, and business travellers’.

Hospitality

In total, ScotRail is creating nine sets of 2+4 and 17 of 2+5 formation sets from a pool of 121 Mk3 vehicles and 54 MTU-engined power cars leased from Angel Trains. These have been displaced from GWR by the introduction of Class 800 IET units.

The trailer vehicles are being fully refurbished by Wabtec with controlled-emission toilets and power-operated doors to meet accessibility requirements. At-seat power sockets have also been provided in Standard Class, while the equipment already installed

by GWR in the First Class vehicles is being retained.

The seats installed by GWR have been retained by ScotRail and while those in First Class keep the leather upholstery installed by the previous operator the seats in Standard have been re-upholstered, along with changes to the layout, which includes the installation of a new luggage area in the centre of each

Power car 43183 tails the 2+4 formation launch train for ScotRail’s ‘Inter7City’ HST sets at Aberdeen on October 10. ALL PICTURES: TONY MILES

Cycle storage racks are also fitted in the re-worked trains.

One of the external sliding doors being fitted to the sets.

vehicle. Both lengths of HST offer 32 First Class seats while the four-coach sets include 206 seats in Standard accommodation and the five-car variants 280 seats.

The improved hospitality for First Class passengers will be provided from a dedicated service area within First Class, while Standard Class passengers will be serviced by a new mini-buffet created at the end of these vehicles next to the Standard Class coaches.

Speaking on the launch train ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “This is a key milestone in our plan to create the best railway Scotland has ever had. We’re going to re-create a genuine inter-city network for Scotland connecting its seven cities.

“I think we’ve created something really special with the iconic High Speed Trains, and of course we’re going to give our

The exterior of vehicle No. 40601 (First Class buffet) with new power door and detailed graphics.

customers faster journeys, more seats and more services.

“That’s great news for commuters, business travellers and also for visitors to Scotland.”

to increase the ScotRail fleet from around 800 carriages to more than 1000. Mr Hynes explained: “We’re going to be operating 200 more services a day right across the country, and wherever you Unimpressed are in Scotland everyone will Some local critics have been benefit from this investment unimpressed at the decision to programme. We’re really seriously take on trains already 40 years excited about this.” old, but Mr Hynes defended the Unfortunately, delays in the plan, noting experts have always Mk3 refurbishment programme regarded the trains as some of the mean that from the start of the best ever built.

December timetable a number “Our customers told us they like of un-refurbished HST sets will them so if you can’t beat them be in use, a move which is a great then join them!” disappointment to Mr Hynes.

He continued: “There’s not He said: “We’re very much left on the trains, which are disappointed with the actually 40 years old. They were performance of Angel Trains and re-engined relatively recently and Wabtec, their overhauler, in that we have gutted the interiors and it’s taken longer than expected to provided a level of comfort in produce this fantastic product.

Standard and in First Class which “We’re working night and I think rivals anything available on day with them to get as many the UK rail network.” refurbished trains into service as The HSTs form part of the plan fast as we possibly can.

First Class in the refurbished HSTs feature re-purposed GWR seats with new ScotRail table place mats.

Standard Class accommodation, with table power sockets and intermediate luggage stack.

“In December we’re going to operate some ‘classic’ HSTs rather than the full inter-city product because we want to start delivering some of these benefits to our customers.

“We also lose some of our other diesel trains in December so we can’t hold on to them.”

Reliable

ScotRail is unable to say how many refurbished sets will be available from the December timetable change, suggesting the number could be “anywhere between one and ten”.

Mr Hynes added: “The door system is proving to be really reliable, it is a great modification. However, Wabtec has struggled with corrosion and electrical work where the base condition was not as good as it had assumed in its programme, hence we've seen a delay.”

SCOTRAIL HST DIAGRAMS – DECEMBER 10-MAY 19 (SUBJECT TO SET AVAILABILITY) 0530 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 0819 0904 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 1139 1230 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 1450 1538 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1817 1840 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 2123 2156 Aberdeen-Inverness 0007

1102 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 1332 1530 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 1755 1916 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 2136 0833 Edinburgh-Inverness 1159 1255 Inverness-Edinburgh 1631 1739 Edinburgh-Inverness 2100

0554 Inverness-Aberdeen 0811 0851 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1111 1139 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 1411 1442 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1712 1741 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 2032 2107 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 2329

0453 Inverness-Edinburgh 0932 (via Aberdeen) 1130 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 1354 1600 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 1834 1934 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 2151

0730 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 0956

0614 Aberdeen-Inverness 0832

0944 Inverness-Edinburgh 1325 1336 Edinburgh-Inverness 1707 1728 Inverness-Glasgow QS 2044 5T62 2112 Glasgow QS Perth 2214 (ecs) 5A53 0647 Perth-Glasgow QS 0812 (ecs) 0838 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 1121 1247 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1514 1539 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 1822 1837 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 2113 2140 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 0030 0548 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 0824 0929 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 1151 1312 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 1533

1627 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 1911 2009 Aberdeen Edinburgh 2247 0553 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 0846 0942 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1212 1237 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 1514 1630 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 1916 1940 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 2220 0640 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 0913 0939 Glasgow QS-Aberdeen 1238 1357 Aberdeen-Edinburgh 1625 1736 Edinburgh-Aberdeen 2003 2044 Aberdeen-Glasgow QS 2320

November 2018 • The Railway Magazine • 7

HeadlineNews

Ashes to ashes:

Alan Pegler’s daughter Penny Vaudoyer, with Flying Scotsman driver Ron Smith and Alan’s carer Petrina Derrington, at Peterborough during the stop in the city.

Alan Pegler’s final wish granted as ‘Scotsman’ climbs Stoke Bank

By Nick Pigott

IN a scenario worthy of his flamboyant lifestyle, the remains of Flying Scotsman saviour Alan Pegler were scattered in the firebox of his beloved locomotive as it stormed up Stoke Bank on October 13.

The extraordinary send-off had been Alan’s personal request and was fulfilled by his daughter Penny Vaudoyer, who carefully placed her father’s ashes onto a firing shovel between Essendine and Little Bytham, close to the point at which ‘Scotsman’ had become the first steam loco to officially achieve 100mph in 1934.

As the ashes went through the ‘A3’s’ double chimney into the sun-dappled Lincolnshire countryside, a prolonged blast on the whistle invited the train’s 478 passengers to drink a toast to the businessman, who in 1963 had saved the Gresley Pacific from the scrapyard, and

set it on course to become the world’s most famous locomotive.

It was a highly emotional moment for those on board, especially for Mrs Vaudoyer’s family and friends, several of whom had travelled from France, where she now lives.

Adventures

Others on board the Steam Dreams-organised ‘Farewell Alan Pegler’ charter from King’s Cross to York included former British Rail supremos David Ward and Dr John Prideaux, Flying Scotsman historian Jim Baldwin, Steam Dreams owner David Buck and ex-BR footplateman David Court, who had fired the Pacific on its American adventures almost half a century earlier.

Apart from a significantly long bout of controlled slipping while restarting the fully loaded 12-coach train at Stoke Summit, the ‘Railway Museum’-owned No. 60103 performed superbly throughout the day and thrilled

bystanders at Grantham and Doncaster stations as it roared through at maximum permitted speed.

Upon arrival in York, passengers were treated to a performance of Scottish bagpipes outside the museum entrance. “Dad would have loved this,” said Penny. “It’s the sort of thing he used to do himself to make occasions even more special.”

Alan Pegler died more than six years ago, on March 18, 2012, aged 91, and some of his ashes had already been scattered into the firebox of Ffestiniog Railway loco Linda during a memorial run in October that year. However, obtaining the numerous permissions to run a commemorative train on the East Coast Main Line with no stand-by diesel loco on the rear had taken a long time, exacerbated by the fact the ‘A3’ itself did not emerge from its delayed overhaul until 2016.

Mrs Vaudoyer, who had

£140m transformation of Liverpool Lime Street completed to schedule

By Tony Miles

COMPLETION of the £140million upgrade of Liverpool Lime Street station was marked by Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling when he unveiled a commemorative plaque on the station concourse on October 15.

Network Rail said the reopening coincided with the first ever #StationsDay, which celebrated the £5.2billion investment “to regenerate Britain’s rail stations as part of the rail industry’s long-term plan to change and improve”.

Eighteen months of intensive work has seen the creation of new platforms, taking the total number of platform faces from nine to 10, with several lengthened and most of them widened as the station prepares to handle additional services in the next few years.

The final pieces of work had been completed the previous day (October 14) as the newly extended platform 1 – previously platform 2 – was brought into passenger use.

Platform 1 has been extended by 60m, from 160m to 220m, to accommodate longer trains.

Lengthening what are now platforms 1 and 2 has meant track has been removed from the old platform 1 as its

A panoramic view of the revised platform layout at Liverpool Lime Street. TONY MILES

proximity to the start of the Lime Street cutting means it is impossible to install a junction for the platform.

Sections

Two new platforms have, however, been created in the area, once used as a taxi road, and are now in use, meaning the 10-platform station is effectively split into two five-platform sections, either of which can be used alone if engineering work or an operational incident requires two of the four approach lines through the cutting to be closed.

All work has been carefully planned to fit in with the historic Grade II-listed station building.

8 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

The installation of new overhead wiring, new signal heads and additional gantries and stanchions were just part of a project which has included renewal of track and an extensive signalling upgrade that will allow more trains to run in and out of the station, more reliably.

Signalling control was successfully moved over to the Manchester Rail Operating Centre in July. In total, more than a million person-hours of work was undertaken on the project.

Speaking at the station, Mr Grayling said “This is a fantastic improvement. I’ve travelled through this station many times over the years. It’s brighter and looks and feels bigger.”

PHIL MARSH

On home ground: No. 60103 eases though the centre road at Doncaster on October 13 on its way to York. GEOFF GRIFFITHS

footplated with her father on part of ‘Scotsman’s US tour in the early 1970s, and who once again donned coal and oil-stained blue overalls to perform his final wish, told The RM: “My dear father’s ashes are now everywhere he loved best to be. By saving and running the engine, he brought so much pleasure to so many people and I hope the ‘old girl’, as he loved

to call it, will continue doing so for many years to come.”

Steam Dreams proprietor David Buck added: “Everybody in the railway industry from top to bottom has pulled together to make this unique trip possible.

“I’ve been absolutely amazed by the sheer amount of goodwill and affection shown for Alan Pegler.”

4472’s American cowcatcher and headlight put up for sale THE headlight and cowcatcher carried by ‘A3’ Pacific No. 4472 Flying Scotsman during its epic North American tour are being offered to railwayana collectors.

These items are arguably the most unusual components the world’s most famous locomotive has carried in its near 100-year history, and are for sale along with the two water scoops from the time the engine ran with twin tenders.

The lamp and the Doncaster Works-built catcher (a ‘pilot’ in US terminology) both bear 4472’s number, and were fitted to the Gresley Pacific between 1969 and 1972.

The water scoops were carried between 1966 and 1972, and saw service in Britain as well as America, the most notable occasion being the 1968 non-stop run from King’s Cross to Edinburgh – a feat made possible by use of the East Coast

The headlamp and cowcatcher as carried by Flying Scotsman during the 1968 tour of USA.

Main Line’s water troughs.

Offers for the components should be made in the first instance to: nmrm2015@ hotmail.com

Transport for London gets £350m short-term loan for Crossrail

RAIL Minister Jo Johnson has approved a short-term loan of £350million to Transport for London which will be used to ensure the Crossrail project from Abbey Wood to Paddington opens in autumn 2019.

The line had been due to open this December, but on

August 31, Crossrail said more time to complete the final infrastructure and other testing was required for the safe operation of the £14.8bn line under Central London.

An independent review of Crossrail finances and its commercial position by TfL and the DfT has been commissioned.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Pioneer North Eastern Electric Autocar rolls again

THE culmination of one of the most remarkable restoration project’s came to a conclusion on October 19 when North Eastern railcar No. 03170 was relaunched into traffic by Stephen Middleton, chairman of the NER 1903 Electric Autocar Trust, and Sir Ron Cooke, chairman of Yorkshire and Humber Heritage Lottery Fund Committee.

The petrol-powered autocar – a forerunner of more modern diesel railcar and multiple units – was inspired by Wilson Worsdell, the restored No. 3170 being one of two built in 1903.

Power came from an 85hp Napier engine, which energised two bogie-mounted traction motors.

The railcars worked first on Teesside, then moved to Yorkshire, mainly on lines around Scarborough, Harrogate and Selby. No. 3170 was withdrawn in April 1931 and the body became a holiday home at Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire for 70 years. It was bought Mr Middleton – founder of Stateley Carriages – in 2003.

A trust was created to spearhead the extensive restoration back to as close to its 1923 condition as possible, as well as surmounting the challenge of creating a suitable chassis on which to mount the body, but also adapting the Edwardian technology to be suitable for 21st century railway operation.

To this end, because a petrol engine in a wooden passenger vehicle would not be permitted, a Cummins diesel truck engine

NER petrol autocar No. 3170 and trailer No. 3453 approach Bow Bridge ground frame on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway on October 19 with the train’s second VIP run.

and modern control equipment, which had a previous life in a Class 58 or HST, was utilised.

The engine sits in its own compartment at one end of the vehicle. It has taken a further two years to complete the restoration since the body was placed on the chassis in July 2016. The wooden body has been painstakingly restored both inside and out, and will seat 48 passengers on bi-directional seats, with some room for standees.

Often during its days with the NER and successor LNER, the autocar worked with a trailer and NER autocoach No. 3453 – which has five Standard and one First Class compartments – donated to the trust by the NYMR. This will increase the seating by a further 58, and has been fitted with driving controls, similar to No. 3170. It also makes the pair of vehicles a hire-in option for other heritage railways.

During the restoration, the project has attracted many grants, notably the £465,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with other funding coming from the Transport Trust and Ken Hoole Trust.

Public service for the vehicles

is expected to begin early in 2019 once a number of outstanding tasks have been completed.

■ A feature about early non-steam traction and the restoration of the NER autocar is planned for the December issue.

NORTHERN Class 142 ‘Pacer’ No. 142086 derailed on trap points just outside Sheffield station on October 9.

The incident happened during a shunt move from platform 5 to the Fish Dock Siding.

The unit had arrived with the terminating 07.48 service from Leeds and allegedly passed a signal at red.

Because of the derailment signalling cables were damaged, and trains had to be talked past two signals on both the Up and Down main lines, with service levels being reduced to prevent congestion.

See ‘Pacer’ feature on p22.

InterCity livery planned for Class 91

CLASS 91 No. 91119 is nearing the end of a rebuild following severe fire and electrical equipment damage during the ice and snowstorms in March. Indications are it will be repainted in InterCity livery, and subject to no major problems, will be the last of the class to be withdrawn.

HOPES of Union Pacific ‘Big Boy’ 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 hauling a railtour in 2019 are evaporating because of a large list of tasks to be completed on the 560-ton loco and tender. The loco is expected to run a tour in Southern California in 2020

The immaculate interior of No. 3170, which affords some excellent passenger views. PICTURES: CHRIS MILNER

THE overhaul of Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway-based McIntosh 439 class 0-4-4T No. 419 has been completed, and by the time this issue of The RM goes on sale, the St Rollox-built loco will have taken part in the railway’s grand Caledonian

Railway Reunion gala with the Strathspey Railway’s ‘812’ 0-6-0 No. 828. The flagship of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society stands on shed on October 27, its distinctive Perth Blue livery looking resplendent in the sun. IAN LOTHIAN

Darjeeling Himalayan staff on Ffestiniog fact-finding trip The delegates comprised Uraj Pradhan, a locomotive rebuilding supervisor from Tindharia Works; Shankar Mandal, a track maintenance engineer; and Tapan Malakar, the Sukna stationmaster, with marketing responsibilities.

As well as a general introduction to the facilities at Porthmadog, Boston Lodge and Minffordd, all four rode the full length of both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, and spent two days talking to their ‘opposite numbers’ in the Ffestiniog organisation.

They also visited Adrian

‘Pacer’ in disgrace near Sheffield

‘Big Boy’ railtour hope hit by overhaul delay

Bo’ness Caledonian No. 419 overhaul completed in time for Caledonian reunion gala

THE Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society has hosted a visit by four DHR staff, led by director M K Nazary.

The visit was organised at the request of Indian Railways.

The DHR has now realised it is in transition from being part of the transport infrastructure to being a tourist attraction, and that realisation has led to an appreciation the quality of their offering to potential travellers must improve.

This visit has allowed them to see how a modern tourist railway has to adapt in the competitive tourist industry.

SIDELINES

Cairngorm railway operation suspended

OPERATION of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway was suspended at the beginning of October because of issues over the concrete supports for the track. Investigations by structural engineers will take several weeks. The funicular opened in 2001 at a cost of £19.5million.

Tornado withdrawn for rest of the year

THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust announced on October 30 that its ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado has been withdrawn for the remainder of 2018. A statement said the decision to cancel the ‘A1’s’ programme was made “in order to complete the repairs and recertification of the locomotive to DB Cargo’s satisfaction”.

DB Cargo sells more Class 60s

DB CARGO has put Class 60 Nos. 60004, 60014 and 60018 up for sale, with bids required

by November 7. All three locos have been in store for some time.

Class 170 off the rails

The four DHR staff at Porthmadog. PETER JORDAN

Shooter, who kindly steamed his ‘B’ class number 19 to show what a well-maintained ‘B’ could do.

After the tour, Mr Nazary said: “We anticipate this will lead to big improvements on the DHR itself.”

TWO vehicles of ScotRail Class 170 No. 170402 were derailed during an empty stock shunt manoeuvre at Stonehaven on October 10. The incident took place after the ‘170’ arrived from Aberdeen.

Both lines were blocked, causing track and point damage, and did not reopen until October 12.

November 2018 • The Railway Magazine • 9

HeadlineNews Changes at Tyseley as Bob Meanley steps down BOB Meanley, the man whose name has been as synonymous with Tyseley Locomotive Works (TLW) as that of Clun Castle, is stepping down from his role as managing director.

Mr Meanley has been at the heart of Tyseley’s engineering business and its main line operation for almost 25 years.

During his tenure he has overseen countless major engineering accomplishments for Tyseley and third parties, including the restoration of

‘Castle’ No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, the erection of the frames for new-build ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado, and the re-streamlining of the National Railway Museum’s No. 6229 Duchess of Hamilton.

'Go-to' man

His knowledge of Great Western Railway locomotive practice is well-known within the heritage movement, and as such he has become the ‘go-to’ man for advice where Swindon

products are concerned.

He will continue to remain involved with Tyseley as a trustee of 7029 Clun Castle Ltd (the collection owning charity), and will support TLW and its projects as consultant technical director.

His son, Alastair Meanley, who himself has been a key figure in Tyseley’s catalogue of successes, is being promoted from works manager to general manager.

He will also become a

director of the TLW board, taking responsibility for TLW operations.

Pivotal

The younger Mr Meanley will report directly to Cath Bellamy, recently appointed managing director of the new train operating company Vintage Trains Ltd (VTL), who also takes on a wider role to become managing director of both VTL and TLW. Trust chairman Michael

Whitehouse said: “Bob has been pivotal to the development and success of TLW, leading and innovating across the heritage engineering sector. He is recognised as one of the best heritage rolling stock engineers in Britain.

“We are all very grateful for his friendship, dedication, knowledge and expertise, and are delighted he will be continuing to work with us in his new consultancy capacity.”

New Wales livery as Keolis/Amey takes over from Arriva

Class 175 No. 175107 in the new Transport for Wales livery approaching Deganwy working the 14.40 Llandudno-Manchester Piccadilly service on October 9, a few days before the franchise ended.

GERAINT JONES

FIFTEEN years of rail operation by Arriva Trains Wales came to an end on October 13 when Keolis Amey took over services in the Province under the Wales Government’s Transport for Wales brand.

It is the first time the devolved Government has awarded the franchise, which will run services for the next 15 years.

More than £5billion will be invested over the franchise period, with new trains on order, some being built locally in Newport by CAF, and the Cardiff Metro is being created, using tram-trains, as well as a mix of bi- and tri-mode units.

Two Class 175s have been re-branded in a white & red livery, while units due to be replaced in the short term are

being given TfW vinyls.

Speaking at the launch, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the chance to re-purpose and re-design the network was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Welsh Government has secured £119m of EU funding towards its plans for a South Wales Metro. Of this, £21.1m is to double the line between Merthyr Tydfil and Pentrebach, and between Merthyr Vale and Quakers Yard.

New platforms will be built for the doubled sections. £27.4m is earmarked for the Treherbert line, £23.7m for the Aberdare line, £19.5m for the Rhymney line and £27.3m for the scheme to build a depot at Taff’s Well, where the new Metro fleet will be maintained.

On-test '802' Porterbrook to convert Class 350/2 EMU into bi-mode brings down AN ENGINEERING assessment unit would eliminate diesel use undertaken by Porterbrook has on non-electrified lines, while indicated there is a case for the maintaining the ability of these 500m of wires conversion of a Class 350/2 EMU highly reliable trains to operate

AN HITACHI AT300 train on test from Stoke Gifford, believed to be No. 802016, brought down around 500 metres of OLE (overhead line equipment) near Ealing on October 16 at the end of the evening rush hour.

A pantograph became caught in the OLE, the cause of which is under investigation.

The OLE headspan covered all four tracks, with the incident impacting Heathrow Express services to and from the airport, TfL local services from Hayes & Harlington and all GWR trains.

There was substantial disruption that evening and the next morning until lunchtime while temporary repairs were made.

Overnight possessions allowed Network Rail to make proper repairs.

Services returned to normal on October 19.

There was a further incident on October 28, when the wires were damaged near Hayes & Harlington, causing considerable disruption.

into a battery/electric bi-mode.

The units are one of the most reliable in service, and Porterbrook says with addition of the latest battery technology, the ‘BatteryFLEX’ – as its been dubbed – would be able to match, or outperform, diesel trains on non-electrified routes Porterbrook has modelled energy and power demands for routes such as the Windermere branch, where a BatteryFLEX

10 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

using overhead electrical wires.

Modelling of Class 350/2 performance over the West Coast Main Line also shows these trains can match or outperform rolling stock, particularly on local services.

Porterbrook is in discussions with specialists in battery chemistry with a view to creating a demonstrator unit that can showcase this new technology to interested train operators.

Virgin marks 60 years of classic TV show Blue Peter VIRGIN Trains has named Class 390 No. 390117 Blue Peter to mark the 60th anniversary of the world’s longest running children’s TV show.

Former presenters, including Peter Purves, Konnie Huq (not in picture), Janet Ellis, Richard Bacon and Liz Slater joined the train to film a special diamond anniversary programme.

The naming, carried out in Manchester, continues the show’s long-standing association with railways, most notably its namesake Peppercorn ‘A2’ Pacific No. 60532, currently under restoration in Crewe.

PICTURE: VIRGIN TRAINS/TONY MILES

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Crossing smash mars Sheffield Supertram’s big day

By Ben Jones

THE UK’s first tram-train operation is now carrying fare-paying passengers – a decade after it was first mooted and many millions of pounds over its original budget.

However, the excitement of the opening day was short-lived after one of the dedicated Class 399s (No. 399204) was derailed and damaged in a collision with a lorry a few hours after the launch on a crossing at Attercliffe.

Transport Minister Jo Johnson joined Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis, local stakeholders, media and Network Rail management on the final ‘shadow-running’ trip from Rotherham Parkgate to the Cathedral stop in Sheffield city centre early on October 24.

The first public tram from Cathedral to Parkgate then operated at 09.39, heralding the long-awaited start of the 20-minute interval service.

The operation utilises Supertram infrastructure between Cathedral and Meadowhall South, nestled below the M1’s Tinsley Viaduct, where a new chord has been constructed to Network Rail’s Woodburn Junction to Rotherham Central freight line (formerly

part of the Great Central Railway route from Sheffield Victoria to Doncaster).

Tram-trains then share NR tracks with freight and Northern passenger trains as far as Parkgate retail park on the outskirts of Rotherham. Total journey time is 27 minutes.

Seven Class 399/2 three-section tram-train vehicles have been built

by Stadler Valencia for the service, although only Nos. 399201-204 have the correct wheelsets to operate on both networks.

Repeated delays

Nos. 399205-207 are ‘tram only’ and used to bolster Supertram’s Duewag-built LRV fleet. Similar vehicles have been ordered by Transport for Wales for Valley Lines routes around Cardiff, although they will feature higher floors and the option of battery power.

South Yorkshire’s tram-train was originally proposed as a trial on the Sheffield-Barnsley-Penistone heavy rail route in 2008, but has suffered numerous changes of direction and specification, resulting in repeated delays and cost increases.

From an initial budget of £15million, it was announced in November 2014 costs had risen

to £44.9m. By July 2017 that had escalated by more than 400% over the original estimate, to £75.1m.

According to Network Rail, the belated decision to specify bespoke overhead line equipment (OHLE) capable of carrying both 750V DC and 25kV AC supply, and the subsequent need to raise overbridges to accommodate 25kV catenary, were significant contributors to the additional costs.

On two occasions the Department for Transport considered scrapping the project, and as recently as 2016 it was overruled by ministers.

The trial will last for two years, during which time Network Rail, Stagecoach and main line train operators will closely monitor performance, costs, passenger satisfaction and loadings to gain experience of tram-train operations. After the trial, South Yorkshire PTE will assume responsibility for the operation.

Several other cities will also be watching the trial with interest, with Manchester and Bristol suggested as two possible candidates for tram-train networks.

Stagecoach Supertram project manager Steve Davenport told

Stadler ‘CityLink’ No. 399202 glides down Commercial Street in Sheffield city centre with the 11.07 from Cathedral to Rotherham Parkgate on October 24, one of the first public tram-train services after the official launch. Three trams per hour will use the new Tinsley Chord linking the Supertram route to Meadowhall and Network Rail’s Woodburn Junction to Rotherham line. BEN JONES

The RM the Parkgate extension could also be the first stage in a possible expansion of South Yorkshire light rail services.

Replacement trams

A consultation is currently underway on the future of the Sheffield network, with options including a city centre ‘box’ route serving the University of Sheffield, hospitals and new markets area on a new loop line.

Replacement trams for the fleet, dating from the early 1990s, will be needed around 2024 as part of

system overhaul lasting until 2026 – dependent on DfT funding.

However, the arrival of High Speed 2 (Phase 2b) and Northern Powerhouse Rail from 2029 was cited as a ‘game changer’ by Mr Davenport.

To release capacity for HS2 trains at a rebuilt Sheffield Midland station, local services such as those to Doncaster could switch to tram-train operation, using the Parkgate route as a basis.

Tram-train operations have been hugely successful in several cities and regions in mainland Europe.

LNER ‘Azuma’ launch on hold

The cables connecting two IET carriages which have increased concerns it may tempt people to climb up them. In December 2017, a man was electrocuted at Manchester Piccadilly after climbing up the cables between carriages on a Virgin train.

JACK BOSKETT

PLANS by LNER to launch the new Class 800/801 ‘Azuma’ trains from the December timetable change have been shelved for the time being.

The projected start of services has been hampered by several problems with the new trains, the key issue being electromagnetic interference from the trains impacting on signalling equipment.

The problem persists north of Colton Junction, York, and the delay will mean the new trains will not begin passenger service until sometime in 2019.

It has been estimated more than 250 signals require interference suppression equipment to be retro-fitted.

An additional safety issue has also arisen from concerns over

the design of the connecting cables between carriages which, it has been suggested, could be used by a person to access the roof of the trains and so bring them into contact with the 25kV overhead supply. As a result, the Office of Rail and Road has stopped approving more units for use until further notice.

The RM understands the issue of the connecting cables had arisen with the GWR sets, but these were modified, however it is believed further modifications are needed.

Suspending approval of new sets entering service is expected to have a knock-on effect on rolling stock cascade plans, but could also set back driver-training plans on LNER. This task can take in the region of eight weeks once

The first IEP to carry the new LNER livery – No. 800103 – races south through Biggleswade on October 24 with a Doncaster IEP depot to King’s Cross proving run. ALISDAIR ANDERSON

the trains have been approved for passenger use.

A LNER spokesperson told The RM: “Our preparations are well underway to introduce the new ‘Azuma' fleet. However, entry into service is dependent on a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our direct control.

“We are therefore working

Wightwick Hall in special appearance at Quainton Road NEARLY complete Hawksworth ‘Modified Hall’ No. 6989 ‘Modified Hall’ No. 6989 Wightwick Hall is displayed at Wightwick Hall made a the Buckinghamshire Railway special outdoor appearance Centre on October 26. The 4-6-0 at Buckinghamshire Railway is expected to steam before the Centre on October 25-26 as the end of the year. PHIL MARSH museum celebrated the life of its late friend and supporter Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Dennis Howells MBE. In spite of appearances, The 6989 Wightwick Hall No. 6989 is still a few weeks Restoration Group’s 1948-built away from making its first 4-6-0 was posed alongside independent moves in Mr Howell’s ‘94XX’ 0-6-0PT preservation.

No. 9466. It appeared Group secretary Jeff Jackson remarkably complete, with told The RM: “We are now paintwork finished, and coupled checking everything ready to to the on-loan 4,000-gallon perform an in-frames steam test, Collett tender from sister engine to be arranged with our boiler No. 6984 Owsden Hall, currently inspector. We do not have a under restoration at the date set for the test.

towards the first completed trains being ready for introduction into passenger service in 2019."

A Hitachi spokesman told The RM the supplier is 'on track to have three trains accepted

by LNER in early December. He added that Hitachi was confident a solution can be found to satisfy the ORR.

SIDELINES Antiques man opens new RCTS library

“Once the test is passed we have to fit the brick arch, spark arrester and firebox deflector plate, all of which are in stock ready to fit. After this we will move the loco under its own

steam and fix any snags arising.”

Subject to any unforeseen problem, the group hopes to have the locomotive tested and operational before the end of this year.

RAILWAY Historian and Antiques Road Show presenter Paul Atterbury opened the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society’s new archive and library in the restored Stationmaster’s House at Leatherhead station on October 6.

The library contains a wealth of research material, photographs and books.

It is open to RCTS members and public, with non-members invited to make a donation to help cover the running costs.

November 2018 • The Railway Magazine • 11

HeadlineNews OBITUARIES

Nigel Dobbing 1952-2018

FOUNDER and director of the Railway Touring Company Nigel Dobbing died on October 14.

He was 66 and had suffered post-surgery complications.

Very much a steam enthusiast at heart, Mr Dobbing set up the Railway Touring Company (RTC) in 1997 to cater for demand for European and World tours where steam – both tourist and working – remained active.

The company first advertised holidays in The RM in June 1998.

RTC’s worldwide destination list rapidly expanded, and after several years, Nigel turned his attention to the UK market, where arranging day excursions by steam were – and still are today - considerably complex. However, RTC persevered and ran its first UK railtour in 2002, since becoming an ever present promoter.

Working closely with the West Coast Railway Company, Nigel pushed at the boundaries to take steam to lines where steam had not been seen before.

As well as regular day trips over the Settle & Carlisle, the Cumbrian Coast or to Devon and Cornwall, in 2007 he organised the first Great Britain tour – an ambitious eight-day steam-hauled tour around some of the best parts of the UK, covering lines from Penzance to Wick and Thurso.

The tours were very popular with the RTC clientele, and Nigel gained considerable respect for breaking down barriers.

However, they occasionally brought a number of operational headaches, ranging from line closures to locomotive failures.

Next year’s Great Britain tour will be the 13th consecutive GB operation; the train doubtless will be run in Nigel’s memory.

Nigel was the genuine architect of many high-profile railway excursions in the UK and railway holidays worldwide, and while his pioneering spirit and enthusiasm will be greatly missed, it will be carried on by those who survive him.

Colin Garratt, 1940-2018

“When I die, inscribe my tombstone with the words ‘A RAILWAYMAN’ for I know of no greater honour”.

Those poignant words were written by Colin as a preface to his autobiography Around the World in Search of Steam, published in 1987 by David & Charles.

Colin is best known for his work in capturing stunning images of the steam age around the world, but he was also behind many of the images that portrayed the new railway following sectorisation from the late 1980s up until more recent times.

Colin’s career began in 1956 and was spent working in the offices of the BR motive power depot near Leicester London Road, with occasional secondment to Wellingborough.

He subsequently became a sales representative and later a marketing manager.

In his leisure time Colin pursued a love of playing New Orleans jazz on his trumpet, forming his own jazz band, before he began touring theatres and halls with his stunning audio-visual presentations.

Colin’s fascination with railways began when he was just nine. He and a friend cycled from Oadby to a bridge near to Milepost 92½ on the Midland Main Line in the village of Newton Harcourt. Propping their bikes against the bridge they began watching a succession of passing trains, and Colin would spend many an hour recording the numbers and names of passing trains. It was the start of a lifelong passion.

In August 1969, a year after the last steam trains ran on the standard gauge lines of British Rail, Colin turned professional. He left the company for which he was working, gave up his company car and set off to pursue the dream.

He was warned “no-one had ever made a living out of photographing trains”. Such warnings made him more determined and by Christmas 1969 he had amassed enough pictures to gain his first book contract, thanks to an introduction to the publisher by none other than O S Nock!

He went on to produce many more.

It was following one of his audio-visual shows I met Colin for the first time. As a result, my then employers Network SouthEast approached him to come up with some suggestions for the 1990 NSE Calendar.

The ideas he put forward were highly creative and he went on to produce several calendars, including some for InterCity, and later, Virgin Trains. It was the start of a long association with the emerging new rail industry.

Colin created the picture library Milepost 92½ following a move to a former farm house in his adopted village of Newton Harcourt, where a small team of talented photographers worked under his personal direction.

He also provided a worldwide photo library service, which provided newspapers, magazines and book publishers with the railway pictures they required.

It will be his creative images from around the world of steam traction for which he will be remembered.

Colin sought out a different approach to everyone else in capturing them in their final years at work, in the scrapyard and facing the cutter’s torch. He also recorded them being built in China and working hard after they entered service, producing hundreds of pictures.

To capture the perfect image, Colin would spend hours sat in fields or up mountains. He would stand in freezing water, in snow or in the heat of the desert sun and would never give up until he had created an image that met his own demanding standards, returning day after day until he achieved it.

Over the last year Colin’s health deteriorated to the point where his memory was failing, and he was no longer able to hold a camera. He passed away on October 5 aged 78.

His funeral was held on November 1 at St Luke’s church, Newton Harcourt, Leicestershire.

Dennis Lovett Former member Public Affairs team, Network SouthEast

Malcolm Ranieri, 1945-2018

IT IS with sadness we announce the passing of Malcolm Ranieri, a regular contributor to The Railway Magazine, sister title Heritage Railway and many other magazines.

He was 72.

Born in 1945 to an Italian father and English mother, he lived his life in and around Warwickshire, attending grammar school at Alcester.

A popular character with a cheerful and friendly demeanour, Malcolm was held in very high esteem by his peers. As a competent and capable photographer, he was always willing to share tips and advice on technique and equipment.

In 1998, he had the honour of becoming a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, and two years later gained a Master’s distinction from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

His images were viewed as inspirational, and he was often sought after as a judge of local photographic society competitions.

Malcolm had authored more than 20 books covering railways – both steam and, surprisingly, diesel – as well narrow boats, commercial vehicles and his other love, traction engines.

At the time of his passing, he was working on a book about one of his favourite heritage lines, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where he’d been a volunteer for more than 15 years and held the position of duty stationmaster.

In addition, he was secretary of the Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway.

Railwayana was another passion, and Malcolm was an avid collector.

A regular correspondent for Old Glory magazine, it was his expansive photographic portfolio, which went far and beyond transport subjects, that others will continue to enjoy.

His funeral was held on November 1 at Bishop’s Tachbrook, Leamington Spa.

Railways in Parliament

by Jon Longman

Underneath the arches

JOHN Spellar (Warley) asked what discussions the Department for Transport (DfT) has had with Network Rail (NR) on the effect of NR’s policies on small businesses that are tenants of railway arches.

Transport Minister Jo Johnson said: “The DfT has regular discussions with NR about its commercial estate.

“On September 10, NR agreed a £1.46billion sale of its commercial estate portfolio to Telereal Trillium and Blackstone Property Partners.

“Tenants’ rights have been safeguarded and agreements between NR and tenants will be fully honoured.

“The new owner has agreed to a tenant charter, including commitments to engage in an open and honest manner with their tenants and the community, and on-going transparency regarding publication.

“They have also undertaken to work with long-standing small business

tenants that face financial pressure, including offering financial support.”

Gatwick congestion

LORD Bradshaw asked what discussions the DfT has had with Gatwick Express about proposals to manage congestion and redevelop Gatwick Airport station.

Transport Minister Baroness Sugg replied: “The DfT is working with NR, Gatwick Airport Ltd and other stakeholders to develop proposals for enhancing Gatwick Airport station to relieve pedestrian congestion.

“The DfT and NR have had numerous and on-going discussions with Govia Thameslink Railway, the parent company of Gatwick Express.

Werrington fly-under

LORD Berkeley asked what were the dates of submission and decision under the Transport and Works Act 1992 procedures for the Werrington rail fly-under at Peterborough; and why the

12 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

process was not quicker.

Minister Baroness Sugg said: “The application for the Network Rail (Werrington Grade Separation) Order 2018 was submitted to the DfT under the Transport and Works Act 1992 on December 22, 2016.

“Following a number of objections, a decision was issued by the Secretary of State in March 2017 that a public inquiry would be held. This took place in November 2017. The inspector’s report of the inquiry was received by the secretary of state in March 2018. His decision was issued on July 27.

“There are no statutory deadlines for making a decision. The DfT aims to process applications as soon as practicable, but it is important that applications and representations are properly considered.”

Cambridge plan

LORD Patten asked what assessment has been made of the economic benefits of

the proposed South Cambridge station.

Baroness Sugg said: “The DfT considered the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for the proposed new station and associated infrastructure at Cambridge South in late 2017.

“The SOBC included an estimate of national and regional benefits associated with the scheme totalling £46.8million in present value terms (2010 prices, 60-year appraisal period).

“The DfT is working with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership and AstraZeneca to develop proposals for a new station and associated rail infrastructure at Cambridge South, to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

“The scheme’s development stage will take two years. Subject to the business case being satisfactory, gaining of planning powers, and affordability to funders, the station and infrastructure would be complete in the mid-2020s.”

PRACTICE & PERFORMANCE

Former GWR ‘61XX’ 2-6-2T No. 6151 works a five-coach semi-fast to London Paddington through Sonning Cutting on May 27, 1959. TREVOR OWEN/COLOUR RAIL

Thames-Valley

TRANSFORMATION Rail services in the Thames Valley in the past 60 years have undergone radical transformation from steam, to diesel, electric and also bi-mode. In the first of a two-part feature, Keith Farr reviews steam performances leading up to the introduction of DMUs.

M

ention ‘Thames Valley’ to Great Western enthusiasts and their thoughts focus on Brunel’s main line between Maidenhead and Didcot, with its branches to Marlow, Henley and Wallingford. Not for them the ‘tramways’ that serve Hampton Court, Richmond and Shepperton!

More than a century ago, the GWR had foreseen the benefits of a ‘Crossrail’ by running through services to destinations other than Paddington. There were years when you could travel by through train from Windsor to Victoria via the West London line, from Greenford to Willesden via Acton Wells, or from Uxbridge to Aldgate via West Drayton and Bishop’s Road, renamed Paddington (Suburban) on its rebuilding in 1933.

Until November 1906, when the 14 • The Railway Magazine • November 2018

Hammersmith & City Line was electrified, a Great Western ‘Metropolitan’ 2-4-0T with condensing apparatus would have taken the train through to the city. From that date, the GWR steam loco of a city-bound train would be exchanged for a Metropolitan Railway electric one at Bishop’s Road.

Through working from the GWR continued until 1939, although a freight version remained into the 1950s when a condensing pannier tank would surprise Circle Line passengers at, say, Euston Square by suddenly emerging from the tunnel and lumbering smokily through with goods for Smithfield.

The Class 455 ‘Metro’ 2-4-0 side-tanks were of Armstrong design, weighing between 33 and 48 tons, depending on type. Those penetrating the cut-and-cover route east of

Paddington were generally cab-less, presumably to keep footplate conditions at a moderate temperature. As well as condensing apparatus, they were equipped with ‘trip-cocks’ for operating the Underground signalling safety system, which automatically applied the brakes if a signal were passed at ‘danger’.

On electrification, most of the condensing ‘Metros’ had their trip-cocks removed and were sent elsewhere; the six remaining, with some 0-6-0Ts fitted with condensing apparatus, were retained for working the daily Smithfield goods. And, from late 1933, standard pannier tanks Nos. 9700-10, built with condensers, became available for the Smithfield duty and some passenger workings. On locos with GWR automatic train control (ATC), the ramp contact shoe would automatically be raised before reaching the electrified section of line

ENJOYED THIS PREVIEW? THE BEST ACTION IN TRIALS AND MOTOCROSS

DIRTb bike ke

VELO MAC MA S SPECIAL PECIAL NORTON RT RTON INTER AJS SCEPTRE SCEP E SPORTS! SCEPTR SPORTS POR !

PORTS

CLASSIC

#48

ISSUE

Forty-eight Autumn 2018

OCTOBER 2018

No. 330 October 2018 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 31/10/2018

MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR

3.60

Running, Riding & Rebuilding Running, Rebuilding Real RealClassi RealC Classic C lassi Motorcycles

BOXER CKS TRIC

HOW THE LEGEEND BEGAN

SUPERMAC’S TRIUMPH DRAYTON

PRINTED IN THE UK

PLUS MOTO MEMORIES TECH TALK MONTESA COTA 200 BULTACO MATADOR AN HOUR WITH: GERRIT WOLSINK

£3.60 US$9.99 C$10.99 Aus$8.50 NZ$9.99 PRINTED IN THE UK

HOME, JAMES!

UNIVERSITY GRADUATE

#48

001 Cover_OCT.indd 1

AT THE CASTLE

DRUMLANRIG 2018 D 20

WINNER

SUPER PROFILE: ARIEL’S HT3

GREEVES ESSEX TWIN BUYING GUIDE // STRIP YOUR TWOSTROKE // BSA B31 RESTORATION // MALLE MILE // CAFE RACER CUP // SHETLAND CLASSIC // THE CLASSIC TT // MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA

CLASSICS

65 PRE65 PRE

PRINTED IN THE UK

R 2018 ISSUE 174 OCTOBER

N48 2018 US$15.99 Aus$14.99 NZ$18.99 UK£5.50 UK Off-sale date 15/11/18

BUY  SELL  RIDE  RESTORE

13/09/2018 10:34:50

001 CDB Cover_048.indd 1

02/08/2018 14:53:55

001 Cover_174.indd 1

03/09/2018 10:18:26

•SINGLE ISSUES •SUBSCRIPTIONS

CLICK HERE

www.classicmagazines.co.uk

ENDOFPREVI EW

I fy oul i k ewhaty ou’ v e r eads of ar ,whynot s ubs c r i be,ort r ya s i ngl ei s s uef r om:

www. c l as s i c magaz i nes . c o. uk